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Excuses

I am a very forgiving person and can overlook people’s mistakes and shortcomings. However, I find it more difficult to trust people when they refuse to take responsibility for their actions.

I grew up in a family of five children. Mistakes and bad decisions were always forgiven, but excuses were not tolerated.

When Dad told us to complete a work project, he expected us to do it. If it was not completed, he wanted to know why. If our reasons made sense he gave extra time to complete the project, but if we gave him excuses it resulted in extra work. More excuses equaled more work!

“Excuse reasoning” has entered the Christian church community. Some folks give their word they will be faithful to their ministry but cancel their commitment so easily when it interferes with what they want to do. They not only hurt themselves, but the team of people who are depending on them.

Excuses were not uncommon in the Bible.

On April 20, 2013, I entered these words in my journal, God speaking to me personally.

“Son, it is time for you to focus on the harvest and people who are ready to respond positively to the gospel. Excuses cannot be tolerated and you must not use your energy for fruitless people. I am calling people to grow up because the mission demands it. Son, darkness is assaulting my people and the only solution is to be sold out to me.

Take a look at the excuses in Luke 14:15-24 concerning the parable of the banquet.

Excuse #1: This person couldn’t come to the banquet because he bought a field. This could be compared to a real estate investment.

Excuse #2: “…bought 5 yoke of oxen.” The oxen who made money for the owner became the focus rather than the Lord who allowed him to own the oxen.

Excuse #3: “I got married.” The marriage became the focus and an idol rather than the One who created marriage and sustains it.

Son, you are a relationship-oriented person so you get close to people. I want you to get close to those who share your heart and distance yourself from those who are full of excuses.”

Are you a person of integrity or excuses?

Do you follow through on promises you make and ministries that depend on your faithfulness? These are important questions because they reveal who you are when nobody is looking.

What about your relationship with Jesus? Have you faced the truth about yourself, that you are lost eternally and need a savior to rescue you from your rebellious life? I encourage you to give up your excuses and respond to God’s offer of eternal life though Jesus Christ today.

Stop the insanity of a lifestyle of excuses. Let go and let God make you into a new person where excuses no longer rule your life.

About the author

Pastor Keith has an inspiring, practical way of sharing the word of God. He is an example of the Father's love for His children. He teaches the joy of relationship with our Heavenly Father, and exposes the danger of trying to exist under the weight of legalism.

Giving frees us from being self-centered to being God centered.

It is a trait of God's kingdom, because it acknowledges His ownership & Lordship in our lives. Malachi 3:6-12 instructs us to test God by giving our tithes and offerings. May you experience God's blessings as you sow into His kingdom.